Touringkitty

24
Jul
2014

Touringkitty Eats: Counting Calories with The Good Box

categories: Food, Health, Press Releases, Reviews

I have always wondered about food boxes. One, I wondered if their food is delicious and two, I wondered if it really works.

I seriously gained weight when I started eating healthier. If you follow me on Instagram (please follow @touringkitty) you’d notice my posts on #healthyeating and all I’ve been experimenting on my small kitchen. Since I resigned from full-time work exactly a year ago, I have gained about 20 pounds. I looked better, but I have been packing so much pounds already that I feel like I have to diet.

And this food box came my way.

I had the opportunity to try a day’s worth of meals from The Good Box yesterday, and here’s how my meal for the entire day looked like:

My food for the day! — My menu for the day!

I must admit, when I took out all the food from the bag, I was like, so this will be it? Where’s my rice?! =)

Here’s what’s on the menu:

What's on my menu? — What’s on my menu? Let us count the calories!

The delivery guy came with my goodies almost late in the evening the other night, good thing we’re still awake. So, as instructed, I placed everything in the refrigerator and reheat them the following day.

My breakfast was this:

Eggs Italiano, Fruit and Fruit Juice: I steamed the bread and egg, so it got a little soggy. But my breakfast was filling nonetheless. In between my breakfast and lunch, I munched the Popcorn Ball.

Lunch was Couscous with shrimp and salad. Ok, so at this point, I was really feeling I was counting the calories, so I almost ate something else after having this! I was about to go to teach then, so I had the afternoon snack, which was two digestive cookies.

The dinner was yummy! I had Vietnamese Tofu Noodle in Lettuce Wrap, plus a serving of jello.

I also made sure I was properly hydrated (plain water did the trick) after each meal. As I found out from their Calorie Requirement Chart, it was a giant drop from 2,000 calories (estimate for my age) to 1,200 calories that day. I had a busy afternoon that day and since I am also still breastfeeding, I had to take in a little more calories (I cheated, actually, because I ate a little rice meal after I had the digestives, just before I headed to my choir rehearsal!).

If you want to lose weight yet eat healthy and delicious, try The Good Box. They have meals for different caloric requirements. I cannot vouch for its effectiveness as I have only tried a day’s worth of food. They cater to various diet programs and offer at least a week’s worth of food boxes delivered to your doorstep everyday.

Another thing I liked about The Good Box is that they use biodegradable containers. As you’ve seen the photos above, those are not plastic containers, but something made out of sugarcane that is called “Bagasse.” It will turn into compost in 12 weeks. Add to that, they source most of their produce from Gawad Kalinga’s Enchanted Farm. Pretty neat, right?

Want to lose weight? Start by eating healthy! Check out their website and Instagram (@thegoodboxph).

~ Touringkitty

18
Jul
2014

Engineering For Kids: Introducing STEM Education to younger children

categories: Uncategorized

Do your kids love playing with cars, toy planes, do science experiments, wonder how things work?

Then Engineering for Kids (EFK) might be perfect for them.

Given the fast-paced change in our technology, it is practical to introduce our children to STEM education early on. STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. EFK introduces this to children gently and in an integrated way.

From their Facebook Page:

Why is STEM Education Important?

-️7 of the 10 projected fastest-growing occupations over the next ten years are in STEM fields
️
-STEM occupations have grown 8% in the last 10 years (2000-2010) and are expected to grow twice as fast (17%) in the next ten years.
️
-16 of the 25 highest-paying jobs in 2010 require STEM preparation and STEM workers earn 26% more than their non-STEM peers.

Last week, my daughter was able to try out a class on Engineering for Kids. An ideal after-school activity for your little science explorers, EFK introduces science and technology in an interactive and cool way.

My preschooler being welcomed by the teacher. We were one of the early birds. Check out that backpack drama happening. So grown up!

Classes run for an hour. For this trial class session, they are about to discover aerospace objects, in particular, a rocketship.

We're goin' on a trip in our favourite rocketship! — We’re goin’ on a trip in our favourite rocketship!

See the concepts? Yes, they’re being taught already. So, after the short lecture, the kids starting to make their own rocketship!

Looking at mom and smiling to say she's ok. Such a grown up little lady. *insert ugly cry* — Looking at mom and smiling to say she’s ok. Such a grown up little lady. *insert ugly cry*

Designing her rocketship made out of paper roll and straw and clay.

Aria and her classmate showing their almost finished products.

Testing the rocketship with the help of teacher.

Wonder what else they can do in EFK? Check out their curriculum for the year (subject to change):

Themes change every month. This is their proposed curriculum for the year but still subject to change.

I first thought this would be a good birthday party activity. Their marketing specialist, Lalie Odal, mentioned that they do offer this for parties! They can even customise the activities to your chosen theme.

Overall, the EFK program is another good exposure for our children in STEM education outside the school setting.

Is Engineering for Kids a good fit for your children 4-14 years old? Know more about them via their website and Facebook Page. They have branches in BGC and Greenhills, and is on its way to partnering with schools and opening more branches. Text them at 0917-551-8705.

~ Touringkitty

15
Jul
2014

Breastfeeding Month Activities

categories: Breastfeeding

UPDATED with two more events! Read on.

August is just around the corner! Oh, how time flies. It also means my daughter will be celebrating her birthday again, and she’s turning four!

Unexpectedly, my August became my second December for this year with the line up of activities related to breastfeeding. My breastfeeding advocacy inspired me to continue this blog (see breastfeeding posts on my blog here), take a peer counselor certification so I could properly and formally address breastfeeding concerns among friends and the community, and to carry on with breastfeeding my daughter until she weans herself. She is semi-weaned, nursing only once a day, some days none.

Here are a few activities wherein you can participate as well. Breastfeeding or not, we do hope everyone shows support by sharing this blog post on your social media as well. Better yet, join us in one of our activities.

August 2: Breastfeeding Pinays: HAKAB NA!

Click link to join: http://bit.ly/HakabNaMnl2014

Breastfeeding Pinays is a collective of mothers, fathers, lactation counselors, and medical professionals who support, champion, and educate about breastfeeding. Admins of the Facebook Group is organizing this year’s simultaneous breastfeeding with The Big Latch On, aiming for a bigger number of attendees. The Hakab Na is being done to promote breastfeeding, especially in public.

Last year, despite heavy rains, we were able to gather at Aristocrat Restaurant in Roxas Blvd., Manila who graciously opened its doors as the event was supposed to be held outdoors. We actually had second thoughts on joining, but my husband, who was my number one supporter in giving the best food for our daughter. He wrote about last year’s activity here.

See you on this year’s hakaban on August 2 at Taguig.

August 9: LATCH BUMP: Breastfeeding Uncovered: Mission Possible

August will be an even busier month for me especially now that I’m part of an organization called LATCH. LATCH is a non-profit breastfeeding support and education group. Last June, I and the other Batch 5 LATCHers had a chance to talk about breastfeeding at a Yahoo Philippines Spotlight event.

Passionately talking about one advocacy closest to my heart (and my breast, pun intended).

It was my first time to talk about breastfeeding, so I am super duper excited and nervous that I have committed myself to give another talk–a breastfeeding testimonial–on July 26 at The Medical City! I can remember how I was more nervous giving that talk last month to a full house of pregnant moms and fathers (hooray for joining us!). It was so special because it was held a day before Fathers Day.

Last year, I was able to attend Dr. Jack Newman’s talk here in Manila, and was even luckier to have won the ticket for it (thanks, Eliza Ypon of The Painters Wife!). After Dr. Newman’s successful visit last year, LATCH is once again fortunate to host him, this time in three cities!

I had no idea who Dr. Newman was until I attended the whole day talk. It was Aria’s third birthday, but I knew I could not miss that chance. Here’s some scenes from last year’s event, and why we want you to attend, too.

Post by L.A.T.C.H.

Here’s a newsclip about that talk that came out on Salamat Dok:

Post by L.A.T.C.H.

So, if you are a mother, father, medical practicioner, or would want to support and promote breastfeeding more, attend his talk. See photo below for details and register now:

August 23: Breastfeeding Seminar hosted by Yahoo Philippines

Click photo to register. Limited slots only!

Yahoo Philippines hosts this breastfeeding talk on August 23 at the Yahoo Philippines headquarters. This is where I had my first talk last June.

August 30: Thanksgiving Mass in honor of Our Lady of La Leche

Just recently, a friend reached out to form a core group who will help propagate the devotion to Our Lady of La Leche, the title of our Blessed Mother in honor of nursing mothers. The Our Lady of La Leche Movement is planning to hold a special mass in celebration of breastfeeding month on August 30 at Mandaluyong. Watch out the blog or my Facebook Page for more details.–>UPDATE: See post here for complete details.

I prayed through her intercession especially on the early days of my nursing journey. An image of Our Lady is enshrined at our church, Shrine of Jesus. I was also fortunate that my church community was supportive of mothers like me to breastfeed their children. By taking the peer counselor certification of LATCH, I am praying that God will use me to promote, educate, and support more people in their breastfeeding journey.

And to cap off August, Aria will celebrate her fourth birthday! Actually, we still don’t have plans for that day. It will be a Sunday, so we have Mass Service. Will ask that our family be the main offerors for the 10:30AM Mass on August 31, so we invite you to join us and pray with us for the wonderful blessing of family. The Shrine of Jesus Children’s Choir serves for that mass as well, so it will be your chance to hear my choir sing Mass songs. So, please join us!

Likewise, it is the Feast Day of Saint Raymond Nonato, the patron saint of pregnant mothers, childbirth, and children. It was with such serendipity that my daughter was born on that Feast day, when we were all expecting a September baby. Read my birthing story here.

Check back the blog for more breastfeeding month activities. See you in one of them, or in all of them!

~ Touringkitty

10
Jul
2014

15 and 1

categories: Choirs, Madz, Uncategorized

Yesterday, after a full day of work (faculty meeting in the morning then choir rehearsal in the afternoon), I headed off to two important celebrations: the Shrine of Jesus’ 15th Anniversary of its consecration and dedication, and OA’s first death anniversary.

These two events coincided on the same time, so I had to fix my schedule. I sang for the Mass at the Shrine, missed the boodle fight dinner, and went to the dinner gathering albeit super late, where I missed the earlier memorial ceremony and Mass for Ma’am OA.

15: Falling in love…with a church

It is no secret how much I love serving at the Shrine of Jesus. For the past eight years of serving as children’s choir conductor, and eventually, as music ministry coordinator, I was molded into the person I am now. Thanks to my mentor, Monsignor Bobby Canlas, the Shrine Rector, from being a mere choirgirl, I am in the helm of the children’s choir now, and have handled important projects of the Shrine.

The past 15 years have been a true testament of God’s love to this church. With no parishioners living around the area, the Shrine community started with tens, then hundreds, then now, thousands. From that barren land stood only that church where no public transport dared to travel. Lay people from nearby provinces were called to serve. The Shrine eventually became a popular wedding, baptism, and reception venue, and a favourite among churchgoers when important church feast days like Holy Week and Christmas seasons come nearer.

Mons Bobby explained during the Mass how the Shrine of Jesus came to be. In 1995, during the 10th World Youth Day held in Manila, Philippines, then Pope John Paul II proclaimed to build a church in honor of that well attended and successful event. After four years, the church was inaugurated and named Shrine of Jesus, the Way the Truth, and the Life. Quite a mouthful for a church name, I first thought, but it originated in John Paul’s message during that Mass, that Jesus is our way, truth, and life.

What keeps us loyal to the Shrine? It’s the community it built. It’s the welcoming atmosphere among its volunteers. It’s the solemn and meaningful celebrations of the Holy Eucharist. It’s the “pakulo” we tirelessly prepare during special occasions.

Most of all, it’s a church that gives back. In 2008, my wedding year, some music ministry members were starting to plan projects for the benefit of the church. A simple concert will do, we said. Our Rector dreamed bigger for us. And out of that dream, we were able to have the Philippine Madrigal Singers perform at the CCP, and we were able to raise 1 million pesos for the PGH pediatric cancer patients. It was more than what we dreamed of. Of course, we were able to raise more than our target amount, so the rest went to several other institutions, and whatever was left went to the Shrine. We were just humbled and proud of that project.

Apart from it, and Mons Bobby does this all the time, he fervently asks the community to dig deeper into their pockets to give more during calamities. Give until it hurts, that’s what he reminds us always. Whatever is collected, he sends straight to the affected diocese.

The Shrine has been blessed because of its priests, its talented and generous lay people and churchgoers. The church is always misconstrued as strict, or sometimes, snob, especially when kids roam around during Mass. I’d say, disciplined is the proper word for it. And I would not have it any other way.

1: In memoriam

A year ago, Ma’am OA, as we would call the founder of the world-renowned choral group, the Madz, passed on.

The Madz is the Philippine Madrigal Singers. Ma’am OA is Prof. Andrea O. Veneracion, its founder. I wrote about her necrological rites last year here, and another blogpost months prior her passing on as my tribute to her here.

I, along with two more Madz alumni, came almost at the end of the program, but we’re glad to have made it. As OA would say, Just do it. So we braved EDSA traffic (which was unusual at already eight in the evening!), were served dinner, and listened to more singing and more testimonials to our dear Ma’am OA.

And the highlight of the night: this song.

Justice Magdangal de Leon and THE Sal Malaki who originally did the guitar and flute, er, should I say, whistle of the very first Madz song I learned in my church choir in high school. Happiness.

Happy 15th Anniversary to the Shrine of Jesus, and happy first year in heaven’s choral community, Ma’am OA.

This was the fundraising concert the Shrine co-organized. It was held two weeks before my wedding, that's why I was not able to sing anymore for this. I "resigned" from being Madz member in the middle of 2008, with much sadness but much fulfillment and memories in my heart. — 45 and 10: Madz’ 45th Anniversary and 10th Shrine Fiesta. This concert was held two weeks before my wedding. I “resigned” from being Madz member in the middle of 2008, with much sadness but much fulfillment and memories in my heart.

~ Touringkitty

06
Jul
2014

K5 Learning Program Review

categories: Homeschooling, Reviews

A couple of months back, I was invited by K5 Learning to try out their reading and math program. Just what I needed that time when I was not regularly homeschooling my child. I posted about it here.

So, here’s our review of the program. (Disclaimer: We were not able to finish the entire program because my persistent kid would just do this when she wants. Will tell you why in the review below.)

What we liked about K5 Learning Program:

You design your own program. You get to choose the level of your child after having her assessed, then choose which skills you’d want to focus on. I did this because I know which skills we should work on already since I’ve been teaching her already.

Free worksheets. For busy moms who want easy access to a library of worksheets, K5 had them all compiled for you. Just click and print, or save for future printing.

Compiles valuable resource on their Blog section. As a homeschooling and career mom, researching material for our lessons can be quite overwhelming. K5’s blog combines a great mix of external links, internal resources, and tips and tricks for the parent and the student, all in one website.

What we think can be improved:

Audio and sound bytes. This might be really minor, but I have a sound-sensitive child so perhaps I should take note of this. At one point, she told me to turn the sound off before we begin the K5 lesson. There’s this fanfare sound which ends each exercise that bothers her ears. So, I did turn off the sound, and she finished the activity. Though in the next lessons, we needed to listen to the sound for her reading, I was able to talk her out of it. I once noticed that the male voice sounded like a female, so maybe this can be improved as well.

Pacing of each exercise. Shorter instructions and extros, perhaps? We can’t move on to the next unless the sound byte is done with her dialogue or her counting or the instructions.

iPad app. Oh yes, this would be a very welcome improvement! Everyone turns on their iPad cos you just click and go. My daughter has all her writing and math supplements in her iPad. I do hope K5 considers this!

Certain sections I appreciated, like the reading comprehension and prediction, although I must say that some exercises there could still be improved. I had a hard time explaining the “what could happen next” exercise, mainly because the illustrations given were not that clear and comprehensible at first sight.

I’d recommend this program to supplement your child’s learning. I would still want Aria to try it, maybe in the next two years when she can better manipulate the mouse or trackpad on her own. I have, in the meantime, saved the worksheets for our homeschooling activities.

K5 learning is a good substitute to your kid’s computer time. Mix the learning and the playing in this program. The best news is, K5 is not only for kids, but for adults as well, giving us a wealth of information and ideas on how to successfully guide our child in his learning journey.

Why don’t you try it for yourselves? Get a 14-day free trial and optional assessment through this link and let me know how it goes.

~ Touringkitty

05
Jul
2014

Touringkittyps: Five for the mom traveller

categories: Touringkittyps, Travel

Travelling with your tot? Here are five things that never leave my bag.

First, what bag should you use? I have a big and lightweight bag where I can put both my kid’s and my stuff for the day.

Generic bag from the store that's got it all for you. Less than P500. Waterproof because it's plastic. — Generic bag from the store that’s got it all for you. Less than P500. Waterproof because it’s plastic.

I also have a nylon bag, a wee bit smaller but spacious. Waterproof as well.

Wonder what’s inside?

One of my current favourite things, the carabiner.

Carabin-what? A carabiner is a quick snapping metal hook. This is often used as keychain as you can easily hook it on your belt…slots? It’s called “sinturera” in Filipino but I don’t know its English equivalent! I hook these on my bag’s metal loop. Much useful when I do the grocery alone with my child. Saves my hands from carrying all those bags in each of your fingers; you can just clip all at once and go.

CIMG0383 — Quench your thirst easily, anytime, anywhere.

This water bottle I always hook on my carabiner on my bag. Much, much easy to carry water for the little one. Choose one which is easy to clean as well.

Tissue and hand sanitizers do the trick always for me. The all-natural hand sanitizer I got from Mommy Patch called Little Contessa. Spritz onto your child’s hands and to toys, furniture, high chairs, before use. I often save tissue I get from restaurants or fast food chains for unexpected use.

Ring sling saves my back from further injury when carrying my big day bag and my preschooler, sometimes a couple of grocery bags. I got two ring slings from Next9 which I bought in a department store.

Eco-bags are such a great hit nowadays, especially that some cities are going eco-friendly by eliminating plastic. Often, when we buy stuff, they will be packed in huge brown bags without handles. So, ecobags definitely saves my day!

What are your mini-lifesavers? Sharing is caring!

~ Touringkitty

03
Jul
2014

Touringkitty Travels: My first international trip

categories: Madz, Travel

Ten years ago, five countries, three months, two categories in one choral competition.

It was my first international trip. First time to be away from family. First time to ride a plane. First time in Europe. First time to join an international choral competition. These many firsts I had the pleasure to share with about 20 people. We collectively call ourselves the Philippine Madrigal Singers, or Madz to the legions of choral fans it has gathered through the years.

The first time will always be the most memorable. And as I celebrate my ten years of traveling, I’d like to share highlights of it through this post.

Pre-departure: How I got into the semicircle

The Madz quartet exams is for me, one of the, if not, the toughest, exam there is. I can still remember the scene. We were waiting for our turn outside the Minihall of the UP College of Music. Paneling for that quartet exam were Sir Mark, Ma’am OA (Prof. Andrea Veneracion, Madz founder), and Anna Abeleda (now Piquero, a Madz alumna and sought-after conductor who just got off of the Madz circle at that time). We were all anxious, excited, nervous, while listening to the other singers inside. It was like American Idol, literally, where you will be critiqued after singing. Passing that exam was our golden ticket to the upcoming European tour.

If I could remember right, OA just told me to vocalize everyday. I felt even more nervous as I did not know if I passed or not. Luckily I did. And was cast to join the tour.

Homesickness is a serious sickness

The first timers were stricken by so much homesickness that we were always on the hunt for an internet connection or a phone booth to call home even for a few minutes in a week. I spent so much on calling and sending SMS and paying for internet just to update my mom, my sister, and my boyfriend (now my husband) on where I was. We’d cry over the Harana songs of the male section of the Madz during concerts. During concerts, yes. We terribly missed home!

The three of us were first time travelers. Enrico was the youngest among the group and I was the youngest among the females. That's how we were so excited to see snow for the first time in the Dolomiti mountains in Italy. — The three of us were first time travelers. Enrico was the youngest among the group and I was the youngest among the females. That’s how we were so excited to see snow for the first time in the Dolomiti mountains in Italy.

Preparing for the tour

Before we left Manila, our schedule got tighter and tighter. We just had to sing and sing together, that’s why. We would have performances and rehearsals almost everyday. This is also to prepare our bodies and voices for the upcoming trip–which was equally busy. Ma’am OA met us the day before we left Europe to share stories and give advice. We got to meet her again halfway during the tour, when she followed us in one of the stops in France, which was incidentally, on the day of her birthday.

Tough assignments for a first timer

I did not know I could play guitar until Sir Mark asked me to. I had to always practice while in Manila to prepare me for my international debut! Each concert was nerve-wracking because aside from playing guitar, Sir Mark also entrusted me the task of being the pitchgiver. But all these definitely boosted my confidence on stage.

Mission: accomplished!

We brought home the bacon! Two bacons, even. We won two first prizes in the 50th Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonia in Torrevieja, Spain. It was a big moment for the Madz, that we even got busier as we arrived Manila.

And the rest of the traveling story, as they say, is history.

This was one of the songs we sung for that competition. A tu lado by Javier Busto (a friend of the Madz) and Anton Mena. Such a simple and beautiful habanera which made us win first prizes in the Habanera and Polyphony categories of the competition.

If there was only one thing I regretted, I should have written all these down! I had a journal in 2006 which was still with me, but photos of each trip will suffice.

Will photo post on the next blog post!

Meanwhile, read more posts about my first time travel with the Madz here and here. All Madz related posts are here.

~ Touringkitty

26
Jun
2014

Madz @ 50: The culmination of the golden year

categories: Madz

The 50th year celebration of our beloved choir ends with a two-night concert this last weekend of June.

The closing concert begins a rebirth of what has been, and always will be, the Madz way.

The past year featured concerts, tours, performances, homecomings, among the current and the alumni members. Once again, we gather on stage to do what we have loved doing best–singing with the Madz.

The Madz et al family, joins the celebration, too. Participants of the recently concluded Madz et al Festival will be performing as well.

The Sing Philippines Youth Choir, a vision of our founder, Prof. Andrea Veneracion, shall sing for the first time this weekend. Gathered through auditions held the past year, in cooperation with the CCP Cultural Exchange Department, these choristers will be performing compositions by Madz resident arrangers Ily Matthew Maniano and Nilo Alcala.

Join and be part of the choral celebration that is the Madz! Here’s looking forward to the next 50 years of the Madz and beyond.

Check the Madz Facebook Page for ticket details.

~ Touringkitty

26
Jun
2014

Let’s pray together!

categories: Uncategorized

Weekends have been always devoted to family. Saturdays for our daughter, unless we have work or other engagements. Sundays, especially, for church. That’s my Holy day.

And what better way to celebrate a wonderful week that was than with prayer!

So, join me and my family as we pray for you during the Sunday Mass. Message me via Facebook (www.facebook.com/touringkitty) or email via contact(at)touringkitty(dot)com. Will gather them on Saturday night and offer them up to the Lord on Sunday during the Mass where I and my choir serve in (10:30am at the Shrine of Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life in Pasay City). If you will be at MOA area on Sundays, why not drop by the church and hear Mass there.

Every Thursday, I shall be posting videos at my Facebook page for your reflection. Let’s begin with this video, Esto Les Digo (This I say to you) by Kinley Lange as sung by us, the Philippine Madrigal Singers in 2007.

http://youtu.be/dcMhhYzQ5sc

Let’s pray together. The Lord said: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:20).

~ Touringkitty

23
Jun
2014

Touringkitty sings and eats at the Luzviminda 2 of F1 Hotel Manila

categories: Art and Culture, Career, Food, Music

A day before the country celebrated its 116th Independence Day, I sang with the Koro Madrigal, the alumni of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, for an event at F1 Hotel in BGC. All we knew back when the gig was announced was that we will be singing Filipino songs, and that it was a food festival.

Food and music. These two things are most loved by the Madz. Any member leaves the semicircle as a certified foodie. With all the international cuisines we’ve tasted during our travel, who would not become one? And so, we’re even happier to know that we will get to taste the food in this event.

The event is aptly called Luzviminda, a wordplay of the three major islands of the Philippines–Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. And as we further found out, the event featured three invited Filipino chefs dishing out the best of the islands. Plus, an art exhibit was inaugurated that same day, proceeds of its sales will go to Kythe Foundation.

We were asked to come early in the morning, and had breakfast. Buffet breakfast! Was not able to take photos of it though.

Here are some photos of the day:

Koro Madrigal on duty. From early morning to early afternoon. Stuffed with wonderful singing and food. Yum!

The piano behind us. We were fascinated by its name. Teehee.

This will greet you as you enter the F1 Hotel Restaurant. Outside is the pooldeck area.

For the Luzviminda event, three guest chefs were featured in their regional creations. Chef Tristan Encarnacion of Epicurious for Luzon, Chef Editha Singian of Pino Hotel Cebu for Visayas, and Chef Victor Barangan of Marco Polo Davao for Mindanao. Each chef brought authentic regional ingredients and recipes to Manila.

Here were the featured chefs of the event, F1 Hotel executives. Issa Litton hosted the event.

Of course, I did not miss my chance to take photos with them!

With Chef Editha. Now I realized I was not able to get a solo shot with Chef Sau!

But we have, with the group, and some of F1 Hotel's executives. — But we have, with the group, and some of F1 Hotel’s executives. Chef Sau is the executive chef of the hotel.

To complement the yummy food, we rendered songs from the three major islands as guests entered in, before the program started, and as the buffet was opened to the guests. We sang some favourites like Paru-parong Bukid, Pasigin, Zamboanga Hermosa, and Tagumpay Nating Lahat. We got our chance to eat after our set.

So, what’s on the menu? Here you go. I was not able to take decent photos of the food, because we had to prepare to sing already! But here are the few that I took:

This greeted me as we entered the restaurant! I so wanted to dig in the dessert tables first!

Can you say, TUUUUNNNNAAAAA? Seafood station.

Ensaladang Langka. I liked it! There’s the tuna again!

Bagnet. Dinuguan. Maki. Put them together and party in your mouth.

Tinapa maki. Yum! — Tinapa and salted egg maki. Yum!

Ube palitaw cooked on the spot. Topped with graham and choco chips. I thought that was muscovado sugar!

Durian panna cotta. This was the best! Durian fan here.

Want to try it for yourself, too? You still have a few more days left! The special buffet runs until June 26 for P1,700 per person. It’s truly a feast for your senses. Check out F1 Hotel Manila on Facebook.

~ Touringkitty

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: